What Enterprise Rent-A-Car is and how to rent from them
Enterprise is a rental car company with locations at airports, downtown areas, and neighborhood branches across the United States and Canada. You can rent a car by visiting a location in person, calling their reservation line, or booking online through their website. When you arrive to pick up your car, you'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy or Enterprise's coverage options.
The rental process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes at most locations. You'll review the car's condition, sign the rental agreement, and receive your keys. Enterprise charges by the day, week, or longer periods, and the rate depends on the car type, location, season, and how far in advance you book. Returning the car is straightforward: you drive it back to the same location (or a different one if you've arranged that), and staff inspect it for damage before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance to rent from Enterprise, whether your own policy or theirs.
- Enterprise charges by the day or week, with rates varying by location, season, and vehicle type — booking ahead usually costs less than same-day rental.
- You can pick up and return at different Enterprise locations, but this may add a fee depending on the locations involved.
- Enterprise's damage waiver and liability coverage options are optional but recommended if your personal insurance doesn't cover rentals.
- Late returns incur additional daily charges, so confirm your return time when you book and plan to return the car during business hours.
Understanding Enterprise's rental rates and what affects the price
Enterprise's daily rates vary widely based on what you're renting, where you're renting it, and when. A compact car in a rural area during off-season might cost $30 to $50 per day, while the same car at an airport location during peak travel season could run $60 to $100 or more. SUVs and larger vehicles cost significantly more — often 50 to 100 percent above compact car rates at the same location.
Booking in advance almost always saves money compared to walking in and renting the same day. Enterprise's website and phone line both show you the rate before you commit. Weekly rates are usually cheaper per day than daily rates — a week might cost the equivalent of four or five days at the daily rate. If you need the car for a month or longer, ask about monthly pricing, which can be substantially lower per day.
The quoted rate does not include taxes, which vary by state and locality and can add 10 to 20 percent to your bill. Gas is your responsibility — you can return the car with a full tank, or Enterprise can fill it for you at their pump price, which is typically higher than a gas station. Confirm the fuel policy when you book.
Insurance and damage coverage options when renting
Enterprise offers several coverage options at the rental counter. The Damage Waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen — you typically pay a deductible of $0 to $1,500 depending on the option you choose. This costs $15 to $30 per day on top of the rental rate.
Before you buy Enterprise's coverage, check your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card benefits. Many personal policies cover rental cars at no extra cost, and some credit cards (especially premium cards) include rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card. If your coverage is solid, you may not need Enterprise's waiver. If you're not covered, the waiver is worth the cost — a single accident could otherwise cost thousands.
Enterprise also offers Supplemental Liability coverage, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. This is optional and costs around $10 to $15 per day. Your personal auto insurance almost always covers this, so you rarely need to buy it from Enterprise.
One-way rentals and returning the car to a different location
Enterprise allows you to pick up a car at one location and return it to another. This is useful if you're traveling one direction and don't plan to come back. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals at the same location — the extra charge depends on the distance and direction. A one-way rental from a city center to an airport might add $20 to $50 to your total cost, while a longer one-way trip could add $100 or more.
Not all location pairs are available for one-way rental, and some combinations have higher fees than others. When you book, the website shows you the one-way fee upfront so you can decide whether it's worth it. If you're returning to a different location, confirm the return address and hours when you pick up the car — some branches have limited hours, and returning after hours may incur additional charges.
What happens if you return the car late or keep it longer than planned
Enterprise charges for each additional day if you return the car after your agreed return time. The daily rate for late returns is usually the same as your original daily rate, though some locations charge a higher rate for very late returns. If you realize you need the car longer, call Enterprise as soon as possible — they may be able to extend your rental at the original rate if the car isn't already booked for another customer.
Returning the car after business hours (typically after 6 p.m. or on a Sunday) may result in a late fee even if it's technically the next day. Check your rental agreement for the exact return important date and location hours. If you're cutting it close, plan to return during regular business hours to avoid surprises.
Age requirements and additional driver policies
Enterprise requires the primary renter to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license. Drivers under 25 may be charged a young driver fee of $15 to $25 per day. This fee is not always advertised upfront, so ask about it when you book if you're under 25.
If someone else will drive the car, they must be listed as an additional driver on the rental agreement. Additional drivers are usually free, but some locations charge $5 to $10 per day for each extra driver. All drivers must have a valid license and meet the age requirement. Make sure everyone who will drive is added before you leave the counter — you cannot add drivers later.
How to book and what to have ready
You can book through Enterprise's website (enterprise.com), by phone at 1-800-261-7331, or in person at a location. Online booking is fastest and shows you the rate when ready. When you book, you'll need to provide your driver's license number, the dates and times you need the car, and your credit card information. The website will show you available car types and the total price including taxes.
Before you arrive to pick up the car, gather your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and proof of insurance. If you're buying Enterprise's damage waiver, you don't need your own insurance, but if you're relying on your personal policy, bring a copy of the declarations page or your insurance card. Bring a second form of ID if you have one — some locations request it.
If you're picking up at an airport, allow extra time for parking and walking to the rental counter. Airport locations are often busier than city branches, and the process may take longer during peak travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent from Enterprise if I don't have a credit card?
Enterprise requires a credit card in the renter's name for the security deposit and to charge the rental. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method. If you don't have a credit card, you'll need to bring someone with a credit card to co-sign the rental agreement.
What if the car breaks down while I'm renting it?
Call Enterprise roadside support when ready — the number is on your rental agreement. Enterprise will arrange a tow and provide a replacement car at no extra cost. You're not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during your rental period.
Can I modify my reservation after I book?
Yes. You can change the dates, times, or location through the Enterprise website or by calling 1-800-261-7331. Changing to a different car type or location may result in a price change. If the new rate is higher, you'll pay the difference; if it's lower, you'll receive a refund.
What if I'm in an accident with the rental car?
Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If you have Enterprise's damage waiver, you'll pay your chosen deductible and Enterprise handles the rest. If you're using your personal insurance, contact your insurance company as well. Do not admit fault or sign anything at the scene except the police report.
Does Enterprise charge a fee if I return the car with less than a full tank?
Yes. If you return the car without a full tank, Enterprise will charge you for a fill-up at their pump price, which is typically $5 to $8 per gallon — significantly more than a gas station. It's cheaper to fill the tank yourself before returning the car.